'I don't get respect,' West Indies great opts out of India ODIs and Big Bash League

Chris Gayle has decided to take a break from cricket, and will not take part in internationals against India or in Australia's Big Bash League.

Chris Gayle with Yuvraj SinghPhoto Credit: Chris Gayle/Twitter

West Indies great Chris Gayle has refused to play three ODIs in India next month and opted instead to think about his future in the game. The West Indies are scheduled to play three T20s and as many ODIs in India starting December 6. Gayle is also unlikely to feature in the T20 games.

“West Indies called me to play ODIs, but I am not going to play,” Gayle was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo following his team Jozi Stars’ defeat in the MSL in South Africa.

“They (selectors) want me to play with the youngsters but for this year I am going to take a break.” Gayle said.

He continued, “I am not going to the Big Bash. I’m not sure what cricket will come up, I don’t even know how my name reached the BPL (Bangladesh league), but I have been drafted in a team and I don’t even know how that happened.” The 40-year old West Indies opener had a poor MSL campaign, scoring just 101 runs from six innings. When asked about his performance in the tournament, Gayle had some choice words for his critics.

“As soon as I don’t perform for two or three games, then Chris Gayle is the burden for the team.

“I am not talking for this team only. This is something I have analysed over the years playing franchise cricket. Chris Gayle is always a burden if I don’t score runs, two, three, four times.

“It seems like that one particular individual is the burden for the team. And then you will hear bickering. I am not going to get respect. People don’t remember what you have done for them. I don’t get respect,” he added.